A/N

About Death Penalty for Zach Smith: Please don't forget that Hermione originates from a land, where for the last thirty years nobody had been sentenced to death (Death Penalty abolished in 1998 only, but last death sentence was in 1964). So, in contrast to the Purebloods, she isn't used to the idea. Add to this her Christian-humanistic upbringing (especially strong in my story and one reason of her acceptance by the Congregation and not the eye-for-an-eye type) and it should be reasonable that Hermione is 'pro punishment' (after all he gets at least 10 years in a feared prison) but 'against death' and 'against Dementors'.

I seriously hope that everyone agrees with me that Dementors as prison guardians is an extremely inhuman measure from the start. And I don't see something like a "sneak" curse on Marietta on par with a life term under the eyes of Dementors.

And by the way: Don't forget her second, very Slytherin reason. Harry will speak about it in this chapter.

Now beta-read by butterfly83

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Between Love and Hate

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Pinegrew Manor – 14th of April – Friday, Midmorning

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Harry had to blink several times to really believe it. Yes, he had known that Professor Snape would be here today, but it was weird nonetheless. Roxanne kept them company, more out of politeness – and perhaps the wish to avoid bloodshed – than of real need to participate in the conversation. Even weirder than his presence was Snape's attire. Instead of his famous billowing black cloak he wore black jeans, a dark green shirt, and winkle-pickers.

Completely usable to kick asses, Harry mused with a broad smile. I had no idea he owned such things. Snape noticed Harry's look with a frown, but decided to ignore it. Instead he continued to speak about the trial two days ago.

"Miss Granger had been surprisingly persuasive with her little speech. I was surprised that the judges decided in her favour and against… Albus." He hesitated for a moment. It was still weird for him at the moment; with Albus not being the acting Headmaster even 'Professor' would be the wrong title. How should he address him now? Severus closed his eyes for some seconds. So much had changed after a decade of steadiness.

"As soon as I saw Hermione standing there," Harry responded with an unhappy smile "I knew that she would convince them. She really felt what she said and I suppose that is helping even against the most traditionalist judges. I think that everyone was forced to feel her honesty and honourable intent, unlikely as it is to experience such things in the Wizengamot."

"I assume you weren't happy about the lessened penalty."

"I was not," Harry agreed with a deep sigh. "I've heard Dumbledore speaking about second chances often enough, but in Smith's case… No, I'd preferred a more permanent solution. I'm okay with the change to a 'no Dementor' prison though. Since last year I have an idea what an influence these beasts have on your mind and nobody deserves this. But he should have been sentenced to a life penalty." Harry leaned back against his seat, his smile softening. "But on the other hand: We're speaking about Hermione. She simply had to do that. It's in her nature and her big heart is one of the reasons we love her so much. I would have preferred another sentence, but I'm not angry."

Severus only grimaced but didn't respond directly to Harry's comment about 'we love Hermione'. "And then there was her second reason to ask for mercy," he responded with a smirk: "A very Slytherin reason."

"I have no idea what you're speaking about." Harry' bland face wasn't very convincing and soon it changed into a grin. "You mean the anti-Dumbledork-reason."

Snape looked unhappy, but only for a short moment. "Yes. Apparently he wanted to be 'the strong man with the firm hand', trying to sacrifice the young man to solidify his reputation. You know as well as me that it isn't normal for Albus to demand such a harsh punishment. So he had other reasons to hand out a life sentence. With Miss Granger opposing this, she not only crossed his plans but also showed everyone how cruel Albus can behave to further his reputation. As I said: Very Slytherin." Severus knew a thing or two about Albus being cruel and Hermione had gained more than a few points in his opinion through her crossing the old goat's plans.

"Calling her Slytherin… And I thought you wanted to stop insulting Hermione." Harry showed a lopsided grin.

Snape didn't respond to that but instead he offered a warning: "Miss Granger should still be careful in the future. Mister Smith and Mister Nott may be stored away, but still their fathers are out there. They had been an important reason for their sons' behaviour and they could still be out for her blood."

"I know," Harry nodded, his playfulness fast pushed aside by his concern about his best friend. "We'll protect her," he promised, his voice leaving no doubt how serious he was about this. "I saw Smith's father at the trial. I had the impression that he more or less disowned his son."

"This may be, but still it's a question of pride and family honour. And he certainly shares his sons' disgusting opinion about Miss Granger's 'worthiness'. Like father like son."

Harry stayed silent for a while, thinking about another son he had watched in the last months. "Like Draco and Lucius Malfoy?"

"The situation is similar. But while Mister Smith has a weak mother – unable to stand against her husband – Draco has the luck to be the son of Narcissa. So he has two persons influencing him. It remains to be seen who'll have the greater influence in the long run."

"Professor, Mister Malfoy is your friend, isn't he? I heard something about Draco being your godson."

"He is my friend and yes, Draco is my godson. I promised to protect him from every danger." He stared intensely into Harry's eyes: "Danger of all kinds. And Cissy has been my friend for a long time, too. Both share many opinions, but not all. So perhaps I'll have to decide someday whom to support. But not today."

"Has Mister Malfoy been the reason…" Harry stopped. Despite the unusual friendly conversation there were still questions he shouldn't ask. To his surprise Snape didn't object.

"You wonder if Lucius had been the reason for me to become a Death Eater in the war."

Harry nodded weakly, Roxanne tensed. She had wondered that too but never dared to ask. It was a very personal issue to Severus, she knew. And it had been, she was certain, one of the decisions he really regretted.

"He had been the one to introduce me to the Dark Lord, but not the reason for me to join. Perhaps we'll speak about that at another time."

"Okay," Harry nodded. After a moment he asked with a tense voice: "Do you have an idea why Smith senior attacked Hermione at the Quidditch Finals?"

"How should I know such a thing?"

"I wondered…" Harry stopped again. To accuse Snape of having been one of the Death Eaters at the finals was certainly not a way to gain brownie points. And by the way he didn't really believe it. Or at least he didn't hope so.

"Did you think, I have been there too? That I have been one of the dunderheads running around and causing trouble, hurting those Muggles."

Harry pondered for a while; then he shook his head. "It crossed my mind, but I don't really believe so."

"And why not, pray tell?" He's even smirking now, Harry mused. He's far too relaxed, very weird.

Harry smiled mischievously: "I would prefer not to explain my reasons."

Snape frowned, but only a bit. "Oh! And why not? Do you fear I'll dish out detentions?"

"No," Harry shook his head. "You don't need real reasons for detentions." Snape sniggered lightly, Roxanne rolled her eyes. "But," Harry continued "I would have to say something nice about you."

"Harry," Roxanne scolded him, but Snape sniggered again: "Alright, that's a reason I understand. We can't have that." More seriously he continued. "But to answer your questions: No, I haven't been one of them. Yes, a few of my friends had been there – no surprise there. And regarding Smith senior: I'm not certain. I heard something about his wish to do more than cause a bit of mayhem, a wish my friends didn't share."

So Malfoy had no part in that attack, Harry pondered. Good too know.

"Perhaps he simply wanted to kill 'a Muggle' and spoke about it with his son. And now at least we know that Smith junior hated her because of her intellect for a long time. So in a way – I assume – Smith junior has three attempted murders on his plate, not two."

"I can't understand how someone can hate her because of her intellect." Harry sighed.

"Why not? Even among your housemates there are many that despise her because of it. Okay, her diligence is certainly another reason. But from the start there had been insults about her book-worminess. Hadn't that been the reason for Miss Granger being attacked by a troll in the bathroom in the first year?"

"Yes," Harry grimaced. "She took the blame, but it had been Ron's rude behaviour that send her crying into the bathroom and nearly got her killed. He certainly belonged to those housemates that eagerly used her help at schoolwork but insulted her nonetheless." After a moment he added with no small amount of self-loathing: "And far too often I looked away in those moments. I should have been a better friend."

"See," Snape agreed. "And among Purebloods she is a permanent evidence that something is wrong about the whole 'Purebloods are better wizards' reasoning. Kill her and the evidence will be gone."

Thereupon Harry stayed silent for some minutes. Snape had been right. To someone like Smith or Malfoy Hermione certainly was a sore point in their life. There was no way to deny that she was the best witch at Hogwarts, at least regarding the theory. And how fast she learned knew spells was a miracle to watch every time.

"By the way: I really appreciate that you… you don't harass her like you did before. And Neville too."

Snape shook his head: "I had my reasons to change how I handled her. She isn't as annoying as before. She changed – and Mister Longbottom too. Miss Granger is more relaxed, not as eager to show off in the lessons. And she's more willing to use her brain instead of simply reading and copycatting. I heard about some of her potion inventions for the twins. Some of them showed real ingenuity. Not that you'll ever tell her this," he glared.

"I wouldn't dare," Harry smiled softly.

"And Mister Longbottom was a real surprise since New Year. I have to admit, that I never understood Professor Sprout's adoration, but he made great strides. For the security of my lab, I hope that his relation with Miss Granger endures for a long time."

"We all hope that – for different reasons."

Snape got serious again: "But don't think that this changes my opinion about you. I may help you today, but I still believe you to be an obnoxious rule-breaker who had far too much leeway in the past."

Harry didn't object to Snape's assessment, but instead asked: "Why do you help me? I know that you had an agreement with Daphne but Nott is away now. You have no reason to follow up with your part."

"I do and you just stated the reason: I had an agreement. I gave Miss Greengrass my word and I don't break my word lightly." It was a simple statement but Snape's voice left no doubt about its seriousness and the importance of his word to him.

Roxanne smiled. She had stayed silent for most of the time, only watching and enjoying that Harry and Severus were able now to hold a constructive conversation. They still weren't friends, but they hadn't to proof their antipathy through open or hidden insults anymore.

"Did you… did you pledge your word to protect me?"

"What makes you think that?" Snape tensed and a deep frown showed on his face.

"From the beginning, even in the first year where we had not the best start, you protected me: That Quidditch game for example, where you saved me from Quirrel's curse. Or last year: Following us into the Shrieking Shack was a great risk. You had no reason to do that. Hermione never believed that you would endanger me willingly. And in retrospect I'm willing to share her opinion."

Snape stayed silent long enough that Harry started to believe that he wouldn't answer. He was surprised to get an answer nonetheless, thoughtfully whispered. "After your mother's death I promised her to watch over you. I already betrayed her, as I followed Albus' order not to look into your Aunt's home. I won't betray her again." He frowned shortly: "Irrespective of my opinion about your character and behaviour."

"Was she the reason…" Harry whispered. You left the Death Eaters.

"Yes, she was." Snape only said those three words, his tone stating, that he wouldn't explain more at the moment. But it was enough for Harry now.

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"Your Aunt is expecting us. I phoned her a few days ago. She wasn't pleased. Your Uncle and Cousin won't be there."

"How did you convince her?"

"Money," Snape shrugged. "Your godmother gave me 20,000 pounds – nearly 1,000 Galleons – to offer her for her participation. It's more than enough for an afternoon of disgust, even for her."

She sold her memories of my mother, Harry raged. He had hated his Aunt for a long time, but this kind of behaviour only deepened the cut between him and his last blood relative. He had really hoped that there would be a last small spark of sisterly love but apparently not. He sighed and tried to push those emotions away. One last afternoon with her, he mused. After that I'll never see her again.

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Granger Home – 14th of April – Friday Midday

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"It's really a nice home, Mrs. Granger." Augusta Longbottom had been guest of the Grangers for a few hours now. They had ushered the teenagers away in order for the adults to get to know each other better. Augusta had to admit that the home of the Grangers – a medium sized two-story house with a plot of garden around – had impressed her. Dan Granger was a nice and a bit overprotective father while Emma Granger seemed to be king of the castle. Hermione's appearance was a blend of her parents, but her mind and temper showed much more of her mother. Augusta liked that and appreciated the possibility to get a new friend in Emma Granger.

"Thank you very much. It's certainly nothing in comparison to your manor, but it's cozy and we like it. And it's certainly large enough for the two of us with Hermione away most of the year."

"Yes, I hate those times too. Neville is only at home for two months a year and with my son and daughter-in-law…" Augusta stopped, her eyes softly gleaming. Emma knew about Frank and Alicia through her daughter, but understood that the Longbottom Matriarch had difficulty to speak about it. She only patted her hand and offered an understanding smile.

"But enough of that," Augusta changed the subject. "I arranged with Gringotts to have some security experts here next week. They'll erect some wards against the usual things, mostly fire, apparition and foreign portkeys. If you're okay with that they'll allow admittance for a small number of persons, for the beginning Agatha and Roxanne Greengrass, Remus Lupin and I. Later we can integrate Hermione and Neville. But they'll only start to apparate in two years."

"That would be nice. I'll agree to that."

"Good," Augusta smiled and fetched two bracelets from her bag. "These are for you and your husband. They're portkeys to my home. I don't see an imminent danger for you, but after these two attacks on Hermione I would feel better knowing that you'll have them. You have to touch them and say 'Certum Castellum' – safe castle – to activate them. Anybody touching you at the moment will be transported together with you."

Emma nodded and without words started to attach her bracelet to her arm.

Augusta pointed towards the underside of the second bracelet. Some runes were engraved there. "Agatha was adamant about adding those runes. They'll protect you from a number of charms and memory alterations. In addition they'll grow hot if someone uses such a spell on you. They aren't foolproof, but better than nothing."

"We can't allow someone like Albus to interfere with Hermione's parents. After what he did to Harry and Daphne around Valentine's Day, I'm not willing to risk that he'll try to influence them magically. It would be the simplest way to drive a wedge between the girl and you, Augusta." Agatha had been furious thinking about Albus and his 'charms' and Augusta had to admit that the idea wasn't too farfetched.

"Hermione…"

"Her bracelet will be changed next week to integrate these protections. The same will be done to the bracelets of Harry, Daphne and Neville. At the moment all four are protected through a spell, but it has its drawbacks. These bracelets will be better in the long run."

"Thank you, Augusta. You're a gem!"

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Privet Drive 4 – 14th of April – Friday, Midday

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"Come in, hurry."

It was not an uncommon sight for Harry to watch Aunt Petunia's nervous expression, as she ushered Severus and him into her house. Anxious she looked around and forced a smile as she nodded towards Mrs. Pringles from Privet Drive 5. The elderly lady was sitting at her window like every day, staring onto the street, hoping for something interesting to happen. The return of the scoundrel certainly counted. Harry smirked when he shortly pondered if Mrs. Pringles assumed Severus to be one of the teachers from St. Brutus. It wasn't hard to imagine Severus as a teacher at a home for problem children. His face alone would hold everyone in check.

Harry looked around. Nothing had changed since his departure nine months ago. There was not a single sign of his presence in this house, not a single hint of him living here for more than a decade. He avoided to look at the cupboard or to think about his room upstairs. Had they removed the bolt in between? He wondered.

Severus Snape put the picture of Harry's parents on the table in the living room. It was still wrapped into thick layers of cloth. While Severus started to unwrap it, Harry coughed slightly. "Thank you very much, Aunt Petunia, for doing this. It means much to me."

Petunia only glared at him, from time to time throwing anxious and wary glances towards Snape.

She isn't interested in helping me, Harry felt sorry. There is nothing left of family love. He sighed and snatched the envelope from his pocket. Without words he offered it to Petunia. Equally wordless she accepted it and looked into the envelope. Her expression didn't change, didn't show any sign of acceptance. After some more minutes of silence, she suddenly stated with a voice that contained a large amount of anger but to Harry's surprise also a bit of fear and loss.

"I'll accept this and I'll help you, but only on one condition. This" She waved with the envelope "isn't important. I never received a single pound for raising you and I would have done for the rest of your time until you'll come of age. But my family is important to me – my husband and my son. I'll help you, Harry, if you promise to leave afterwards and never return."

Harry had the same wish to never see her again but somehow he felt sad nonetheless. Petunia had been his mother's sister, the last remaining blood relative. For a long time he had struggled to gain a modicum of love from her, had tried to behave his best only to see her smile a single time. Never did he succeed in his struggle. He nodded, but before he could agree, his Aunt continued. Her voice was again a mix of anger and sadness. "I raised you, because you're family, Harry. And you never leave behind your family, not like your mother did. Perhaps you'll understand this principle someday."

Harry's head snapped up: "What…?"

Petunia glared at him. Since Snape's call she had been thinking, thinking about her traitorous sister and her dangerous son. It had hurt to remember, to remember the happy days but also the days of despair and sorrow.

"Your mother left us. She left me; she left our parents, because we weren't good enough for her and her new friends. It broke Mum's heart to lose her little darling. We had been the Evans-sisters, Harry, inseparable sisters and best friends – at least until this slimy git appeared and told her about magic. After that she changed. She receded from us, turned away from her former life. Did you know that I wanted to accompany her? Yes, I did, silly as I was."

She pointed towards Snape: "He laughed at me. Your Headmaster wrote me that I wasn't good enough for Hogwarts. So be it. I'm finished with you." Petunia sighed and struggled to calm down. Snape's eyes rested silently on her. He would have liked to comment her weird statements, but this wasn't about him. Perhaps it was good for Harry to hear about Petunia's reasons and opinions.

Harry didn't know what to say. She was jealous, he noted. It was surprising but understandable. She lost her sister to magic and grew hateful because of that. How would I have reacted, losing my brother to a new world like that, a world I can't participate in?

"But that wasn't enough – oh no. Every summer she came back with stories about Hogwarts. She was still Mum's favourite. I could never compare to her. Mum hoped that Lily would still be her little girl after school. But it shouldn't be. She found those new friends, friends that neither understood our life nor wanted to share it with us. They had only scorn and derision about our simple Muggle ways. They were too good to live as we did. Instead they left us, she left Mum broken. And when Mum was really down, she was killed. Wizards killed her, wizards like him. Had you been one of them, Severus, have you?"

Severus, who had been awful silent so far, only shook his head. He hated Petunia, hated how she had treated Lily. But hadn't he treated Lily equally badly? And Petunia had reasons for her behaviour, at least from her point of view. Naturally Albus had denied her to attend Hogwarts because she had no magical talent, but to a ten-year-old girl it must have been like she wasn't good enough. "I heard about the attack, but I wasn't one of them," he whispered at last.

Petunia stared at him. She hadn't liked him from the start, had hated how he alienated Lily from her. But he seemed to be honest about this. She nodded curtly. "But others came and killed them, killed my parents because of your mother, Harry. Don't you dare to glare at me," Petunia snarled as she noticed his reaction. Her mood didn't better with her head hurting like this. Why was the ground swaying?

Fuming she continued: "Your mother had to play hero out there, had to annoy those dark wizards. Had she remained at home with us, those wizards would never have attacked my parents. They killed them to hurt Lily. It had been Lily's fault that they died, like it had been your fault that they killed your mother. She did nothing to protect them. They wanted to hurt Lily, but they hurt only me because our parents didn't matter to her. She didn't even come to the funeral. She left me alone."

Petunia sobbed unrestrainedly. Harry stared dumbstruck. He couldn't believe… it wasn't my fault… had it been my fault? Had they attacked my parents thirteen years ago or had they tried to kill me? If I hadn't been there, would my mother still live? Would she have been able to escape?

His numb mind understood that Petunia put the fault of her parents' death at his mother's feet. In a way she was right: His mother could have stayed at home. She could have been less the Gryffindor and stayed away from James, Sirius and Remus. Without Voldemort targeting her, his Death Eaters would have left her parents alone, at least his Evans-grandparents. James' parents – as far as he knew – had been killed for other reasons.

"I can't protect you anymore, Harry," Petunia's voice faltered. What did she mean with protecting me? Harry wondered. Scared he noticed that his Aunt had started to stagger. He had never seen her like this. Yes, Petunia was an awful woman, an awful mother and aunt. But she had been strong all the time, never showed a hint of weakness.

"It's too dangerous for my family. They'll kill my son if you stay with us." Her voice was only a whisper now, broken. Her right hand was pressed against her temple. "I lost Mum. I lost my…"

She was far enough gone to not complain about Severus putting a hand under her elbow to steady her. Despite the help she staggered even more. "Auntie…" Harry grabbed her. Something dripped from her face on his arm, wet – tears… and blood.

"My little Lily… they killed my little Lily." Harry tried to lead her to the couch, horrified by the sight of blood running from her nose. After two steps her legs simply gave away and she crumpled to the floor. Something was really weird here, something was completely wrong. What had they done through reminding Petunia of the past?

"Auntie?" Harry kneeled at her side. He didn't really notice that Snape sent his Patronus away.

"I can't lose my Duddy too," Petunia barely whispered. She tried to pat his cheek but hadn't enough strength to lift her hand. The tears running from her eyes mingled with the blood dripping from her nose and splattered on her shirt. "You have Lily's eyes," she stated with a soft smile. Slowly she closed her eyes. "Sweet Lily's eyes. She was so proud of you… when we met at Mum's… mum's grave. She…"

"Auntie?"

Petunia didn't react. Helpless Harry watched his unconscious Aunt.

"We should put her on the couch, the head high because of the blood. I sent message to your godmother." Severus composure was the rock Harry needed in this moment. He was confused. What happened? Why did his Aunt behave like this? And why was her sorrow troubling him? He hated her, like she had hated him and his mother, didn't he?

"What happened to her? She never behaved like that."

"I have an idea," Severus answered "but I hope that I'm wrong."

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"Stay away from my wife, you freaks."

Dudley and Vernon had returned the same moment Roxanne Greengrass and Ana Hernandez had arrived at Privet Drive 4. Since then Vernon had been shouting at 'the freaks'. He had tried to shoo them out, his 'guests' unwilling to leave. Harry was still sitting at his aunt's side watching Dudley with wide eyes. His lazy whale of a cousin had always been a 'father's boy', always following his father's steps and opinions. Never did he have a nice word for his mum; never esteemed what she did for him. But now he was sitting on the other side of her, clinging to her, trying to wake her up.

Suddenly he turned around to the bickering adults and yelled full force. "Stop it now, all of you. Dad, sit down."

Totally shocked Vernon followed the order and heavily slumped down on a chair. His son stared at Roxanne, his voice trembling: "You're Harry's godmother, aren't you?" She nodded and Dudley continued: "Help her please."

"I can't allow…" Vernon started to rise from his seat only to be stopped by another outburst of his son. "Just shut up! Mum needs help." With a very caring gesture he used his handkerchief to wipe the tears and blood away.

"We should put her in her bed first, Severus."

The potions master simple nodded and stepped towards the couch. Dudley hesitated for a moment, until Harry whispered: "It's okay, Dudley."

With surprising ease Severus lifted the woman and followed Dudley and Harry towards the bedroom, Roxanne close behind. Vernon stayed on his chair, fuming and ignoring the weird lady with the black hair and tanned skin. Ana glared at him for a moment before turning away. Roxanne would call her in a few minutes and she wanted to use the time. Ignoring the magic-hating man she started to cast some spells, slowly walking through the house. The whole family was simply too unnatural in their behaviour. Yes, she knew that such families existed, but with the experience of the last months, she had other fears.

And then there was the woman's nose-bleed. She had to examine her yet, but it was a sure sign that her memories tried to break through a very strong memory seal. Another victim of that man, Ana Hernandez fumed. Minutes later she had found what she had both feared and expected to find.

"Leave that alone," Vernon's sudden voice startled her. He had been watching her with boiling rage but stayed quiet so far. Only now as she grabbed the old family music box, did he try to stop her. He even dared to reach for her arm, a move he regretted seconds later. A sudden rotation, a fast motion and a flick of her wrist – and before Vernon knew what had happened to him his heavy body was flying around and smashing into a glass vitrine.

"Ahem," the voice of Severus prompted her to turn around. "Not that I don't appreciate the educational gesture, but what caused this mess?"

Ana only lifted the music box, but otherwise ignored him. "That's not important – Roxanne needs you."

.

Severus – who had taken on the task to heal Vernon – returned to the bedroom to find Petunia in deep slumber. Dudley was still at her side, but now he had hope in his eyes again. Roxanne and Ana were discussing the results of their examination, while Harry was only half-listening. As the time passed he felt his anger rise after what he heard.

"Her seizure perhaps had its benefits," Ana explained. "Someone messed with her memories, but not as heavily as with Severus. Speaking about the past apparently broke down the seal. Now her mind is confused, trying to merge her true memories with the implanted ones."

"Can we help her?" Harry asked, but Dudley listened intensely. They were freaks, weren't they? His parents had told him so. But they wanted to help his mom and Harry's godmother had stopped the bleeding. His mum wasn't so pale anymore, her sleep healthier. Perhaps they could do more for her. He would risk it and no one would stop him, not even his father.

"I could try to unveil her real memories. Apparently he only blocked a few moments of her life, but they were important moments, moments influencing how she felt towards her sister and Harry."

"He?" Harry asked, already knowing the answer.

"Dumbledore, there is no doubt. I found a memory about him speaking with your aunt the night he gave you into her care."

"He didn't visit her," Severus interrupted. "Minerva told me how Albus put him on the door sill. She had been furious about that."

"No," Ana shook her head. "He returned and spoke with your Aunt that night, Harry. He laid the foundation…" She hesitated and looked quizzical at him. "Do you really want to know that?"

"Yes," Harry nodded "I want to SEE it."

"Alright," Ana sighed "you will."

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"Good evening, Mrs. Dursley." Albus Dumbledore, wearing his glistening robes and his eyes twinkling, was a very foreign sight. But Petunia Dursley was far more interested in why the old man visited her in the middle of the night with Lily's child in his arms. She knew Harry, knew him since she met her sister one week after her parents' funeral. She had been so angry at Lily. How could she allow this to happen? How could she allow their parents to die, killed because some madman tried to hurt her?

Somewhere deep below she understood that Lily was unable to take part in the funeral. Surely some followers of that madman were waiting for her, to attack or catch her should she dare show up. But still she was so sad and angry. She needed her, needed her darling sister. Vernon wasn't the man to support her in moments like this. He didn't understand sorrow, didn't understand real family love.

But then, one week later, Petunia had visited the graves only to find her sister curled on the ground, sobbing onto the grave of their mother. James had been there too, guarding her, nodding weakly towards Petunia. She had hated him too, but in this moment she was happy that Lily had a husband who was willing and able to stand at her side. Before Petunia knew what she was doing she had been clinging to her sister, all hate forgotten, both struggling to give each other some security.

Petunia had seen her nephew on that day. They had agreed that – should anything happen to Lily – Harry wouldn't stay with her. Harry already showed signs of accidental magic and Petunia wouldn't be able to cope with that. And Vernon hated and despised magic, called them freaks. No, Harry would have to live with someone else.

"It is my painful duty to inform you about the death of Lily and James Potter. They were killed this night…"

Dumbledore hadn't been able to continue, because of Petunia's wailing. The headmaster stared at her – shocked by her raw emotions – and only noticed Vernon's appearance when the heavy-set man started to yell. Instead of soothing his mourning wife he tried to shoo Dumbledore out and the child with him. In the last moment Petunia stopped him. "How is he? Is he well? Shouldn't…" Petunia struggled to find words. "Shouldn't he be with his godmother now? Lily told me about her – Roxanne. She wanted him to be with her, should something… happen."

"No, that's not possible." Dumbledore shook his head. "It's too dangerous for him to live in our world. He has to live here, in the Muggle world and near a blood relative. There is magic that will protect him as long as he'll be here. It will prohibit Deatheaters from finding him."

"I don't want a freak in my house," Vernon yelled.

"He is no freak, Vernon," Petunia whispered, still shocked from the news.

"There doesn't have to be magic, Mister Dursley." Dumbledore soothed him. "It would be better for Harry to grow up without magic, knowing a normal life. Better you don't tell him too much about his parents either. At least until he is old enough to understand. No, he should be here, far away from the dangers of our magical world. You should raise him with a firm hand and a reasonable mind. His father had his flaws. He was too proud and temperamental. It caused more than enough problems for him and Lily. It would be better for Harry not to take after him too much."

Vernon listened carefully and nodded after a while. He understood. He would rear the brat and knock the nonsense out of him. He had never liked James and would see to his son not to take after him.

With false sympathy Albus continued: "Mrs. Dursley – I understand that this is difficult for you. Especially after your sister did nothing to protect your parents. I'm certain she had her reasons to do so. Perhaps she was simply afraid to leave her hideout. But she is gone now, killed because a madman wanted to kill Harry. She sacrificed herself to protect him. Please don't let her sacrifice be in vain."

.

"I should kill him," Harry fumed.

"He convinced her to take the boy. But in the same moment he laid the foundation of her hate, convinced her that Lily voluntarily allowed Voldemort to kill her parents. And he convinced her that you had been the reason for Lily's death, the death of the sister she still loved."

"Will," Harry asked "will she know all this after awakening?"

"Yes," Ana nodded. "She will know all about the conversation and all about her meeting and reconciliation with Lily at their parents' grave."

"But something I don't understand," Harry continued after some minutes of silence. "Why did she treat me like this? Did she really believe that I was to blame for mum's death?"

"Harry… your Aunt had many bad moments in her life, much sorrow and grief. She tried to cope with it in her own way, a way that needed a culprit. But I fear that – while your Aunt's hate, your uncle's disgust about magic and certain traits of your cousin were natural – their extent wasn't."

Slowly she walked to the table and took the music box, now wrapped with a ribbon with runes on it. "Severus, please take this to Filius. Tell him that I await the result of his examination."

"Wait," Dudley glared at the music box. "Why? What do you want with this? It's Mum's music box. She belonged to grandma before, Mum told me. Nobody was allowed to touch it, not even me."

"Dudley," Ana explained slowly. "Apparently someone put a spell on this box. It is meant to enhance bad emotions in the people around it."

"You mean I'm angrier around it?"

"Yes," Ana nodded. "You feel more hate, more disgust, and more violence."

"Was this the reason that my parents never loved each other?"

Harry stared at him. He never thought about it, but Dudley was right. There had never been real emotion behind the gestures of Petunia and Vernon, no love, only well-played roles. Only towards her son had Petunia ever shown real affection. And even those moments had been sparse.

"I don't know, Dudley. I don't know if there ever was more than friendship between your parents, but this music box certainly didn't help."

"And will it get better if you'll take it away?"

"Yes, it will. But like the things I did to her mind, it will need time. She'll need help for some weeks, perhaps even months, to cope with her past. And you'll certainly feel some changes too."

"Perhaps you'll even eat less and work more," Harry tried a joke. "Sorry, Dudley, that was uncalled for."

"No, it's okay. But now only Mum is important. What will you do now?"

Ana looked quizzical at Roxanne, while Roxanne was exchanging looks with Harry. In the end it was Harry who offered: "We'll take her with us, Dudley. You may come too."

"No, I won't allow this, you freaks." Vernon stomped into the room, trying to intimidate everyone but failing miserably.

"Shut up, Vernon," Harry growled. "Auntie's welfare was never of any interest to you. But we care." The gesture, putting his hand on Dudley's shoulder was shocking to everyone, everyone aside Dudley. Both felt their shared concern for Petunia at that moment. "She's family. You never leave family behind. Perhaps someday you'll understand that."

.

Pinegrew Manor – a few hours later

.

Silently, Daphne was watching her boyfriend. Hermione and Neville were still at the Grangers, Professor Snape had departed a while ago and Roxanne and Ana still tried to help Petunia and a very confused Dudley.

Since their arrival Harry had been running around in the room, the carpet showing clearly the path he preferred to run. With a low voice he was cursing, threatening the former headmaster with 99 punishments straight from hell. Dumbles had put him into his Aunt's care regardless of his mother's wishes. He convinced her of Harry's fault and how to raise him, more or less told Vernon to beat the magic out of him. And as the icing on the cake he left behind a spell that strengthened their worst emotions. Even without it, they never would have been a happy family – not with those lies he planted in Petunia's mind – but through the box his childhood had been a living hell.

"Argh."

With a sudden explosion of temper he sent a Reducto against one of the cupboards, plastering the ground with hundreds of broken fragments. A dozen further Reductos trashed the few rests and even destroyed carpet and wallpaper around the broken furniture. Apart from a few well-placed Silencio Spells, Daphne didn't react. Harry needed this. Despite all his self-control he had to let lose now, at least a bit. And better he destroyed some plates than he tried to kill the target of his fury. She was certain: Should Dumbles enter the room at this moment, Harry would attack him.

Breathing heavily Harry watched the scene of utter carnage in front of him.

"You overlooked a plate." Slowly one of the plates rose from the ground, waiting to be blasted away. Instead Harry grabbed it and looked at it thoughtfully, before his attention returned to the room.

"I overreacted a bit." He simply stated.

"Only a tiny bit," Daphne smiled. She tapped on the seat at her side and Harry followed her silent command, dropping the single plate before he sat down, resting his head on her shoulder.

"I'm sorry."

"You don't need to be."

.

Luna found them like this an hour later. Ignoring the mess around her, the blond girl fetched a cushion and put in on the ground in front of the couch. Taking a seat she stared at Harry and Daphne. Luna had received Daphne's letter, an invitation to Pinegrew manor and the prospect to speak about a new article. With a small smile Luna fetched a notepad from her pocket and started to write.

"Co-owner of the Quibbler disappointed about the lack of progress in the search for the Crumple-horned Snorkacks. Destroyed part of his home in a fit of rage when he heard about the last failure."

Her face was so serious, that Daphne was unable to fight her giggle. Harry softly smiled: "We'll find them, Luna, I assure you."

"I know," she simply stated, completely secure in her opinion that with Harry on her side she would be able to fulfil her father's dream.

"But at the moment the world isn't ready for them, Luna," Daphne said. "Perhaps we could write another article in the meantime."

Harry stared at his girlfriend: "What kind of article?"

Daphne sighed. "I know, Harry, you don't want to speak about your childhood. But perhaps it is time to allow the public a tiny glimpse into your past. Not much, but I'm sure that they would be interested to hear about Dumble's visit at your Aunt's home and the reason for her treating you like shit all these years."

"We can't tell them about the music box. Grandma will need it as a surprise next week."

That he didn't reject the idea out of hand relieved Daphne. "But we can speak about the lies. And about your mother's wishes. Your mother deserves it – and your Aunt too. She may be awful but not like this." With a malicious grin she ended: "And it would certainly piss off Dumbles."

After some minutes of silent thoughts on the matter Harry slowly nodded. "We'll do this."

.

A/N

Next time it will be the "End of an Era".

Some explanation about Petunia: She isn't a really nice woman, she is 'normal'. She's blaming her sister for the death of her parents (in my opinion a false but understandable reaction). She reconciled with her a week after the funeral, but Dumbles removed that memory. He heightened Petunia's hate towards her sister and Vernon's disgust of magic, before he left. Even without all this, there hadn't been a 'loving foursome family'. But at least Petunia would have treated her nephew in a responsible manner. Harry and his friends now learned that Dumbles made this impossible. He's not happy.